Drum Set Stick Comparison

In this video I compare several models of drum set sticks.
I am using three distinctly different cymbals to demonstrate the differences between the sticks.
These cymbals are:
A 1940's 21" K Zildjian
A 1950's 22" A Zildjian
A 2021 24" Bosphorus flat ride
A set of Sabian 13"HH Regular Hi Hats
I play each cymbal with a different set of sticks and then compare the sound to my Vic Firth signature stick.
Here are the Time Stamps if you want to skip around
0:00 Intro and Stick Display
7:13 Sticks at the Kit
9:18 Promark El Negro Stick
11:49 Vic Firth Peter Erskine Stick
14:30 Promark Finesse 718
18:12 Vic Firth 7A
20:56 Vic Firth 5A
23:50 Vic Firth 5A Nylon Tip
26:08 Vic Firth 5B
28:56 Vic Firth 3A
31:02 Vic Firth SD9 Driver
33:30 Promark Billy Cobham
35:36 Vic Firth Dave Weckl
37:55 Promark 707
40:00 Vic Firth Buddy Rich
42:21 Vic Firth Steve Smith
45:12 Vic Firth Rick Dior
48:58 Ending Solo with Dior Sticks

The drum set used in this video is a Craviotto Private Reserve steam bent kit
14"x 6.5" Snare
10"x 8" tom
12"x 8 " tom
14"x 14" Floor Tom
20"x 15" Bass Drum
The Microphones are are stereo pair of Sennheiser MKH 800's about 3.5 feet above the kit and an AKG D112 Bass Drum mic.

[billsmith]

Thanks Rick for the insightful content and the generous sharing of your time.

[matthewgonano]

I’ve learned so much from this channel in the past couple months. It’s amazing. Thanks Rick

[johndiraimo]

Another fantastic video Rick!! Nuggets of gold.
I use the Buddy Rich stick and love it.
Great playing by the way.

[brichpmr]

I play at the community orchestra level up here in Bucks County, and have been playing since the early '60s. Having just stumbled on your videos in the past few days, you are not just a fine communicator, but your own playing walks the talk....smooth as butter! The matched grip concepts of relaxation are totally valid. Thanks so much for sharing your vast experience and wisdom. Now back to my Bolero prep for next month🙂

[sweetnight]

You always provide more information and knowledge than I could ever expect. I will continue to learn so much from you! Thank you from Japan.

[brianjezuit]

I have never seen your channel before this morning... see, my best friend bought me a pair of the VF Dave Weckl stickZ yesterday. I usually play either the VF Steve Gadd or the Pro Mark Neil Peart modelZ. Your video iZ very informative and enjoyable. 👍🤘🥁

[dennisdalpino]

Great rundown...many thanks! There were two sticks I wished you'd have looked at...the Steve Gadd model and my favorite, but now out of production ProMark Joe Morello 11A

[bobsondugnutt]

It was a Vic Firth SD1 maple when I first watched this. I realized I needed hickory because I play rock with snare rim shots (sticks got eaten up!) Switched to the Vater 1A - massive stick. I choke up about an inch and I get a lot of power from a relatively light stick. Taking time to learn my preference among sticks has been invaluable.

[michaelchasse]

Hey Rick! Love your vids! Stumbled upon you a while ago while searching for videos on those Peavy Radial drums lol. Your playing is always superb, but I feel like you we’re really cooking here! Loving the push-pull ride stuff you did a bunch!

[smurphy]

Thank you for the videos they are beyond fascinating and very educational. The difference in tone is amazing. I would love to try a pair of your signature sticks, do you ship to Europe? Thanks a million.

[CrazyLG]

I use the 7a Vater Manhattans wood with grip tape and the VF 5a nylon tip Grip sticks. From playing the Beatles to Zeppelin these sticks are balanced perfectly for me and they are very durable. All depends on your style of playing and what feels great in your hands.

[thomasmoje]

My favorite drum sticks for drum set are the Vic Firth Dave Weckl model both in wood and nylon tip versions; also Regal Tip standard 5A wood tip and for jazz or light work Regal Tip Jazz/7A wood tip. I have to give a nod to Regal Tip sticks because they are made very close to where I live in Niagara Falls, NY. I find the Dave Weckl signature sticks give a great all around sound from drums and cymbals if I want a bit brighter sound and stronger 'ping' from the cymbals I use the nylon tip version. And since they are a bit longer than standard 5A sticks I get a bit more power and 'punch' out of them. It's amazing how much difference stick weight/composition makes.

[jeremystig]

The Buddy Rich stick is amazing. I played 5a for 12 years until the Buddys replaced it. They cover about any genre i throw at them.

[el.aye.bee.]

Mr. Dior, you are absolutely fantabulous, Sir. I was going to use the F-bomb for emphasis to signify how great you are, but you (and your channel) are too classy for that. I apologize for even thinking about it. I never knew of you before stumbling upon your channel a few days ago, purely by algorithm, I'm sure, but BOY, have I had nothing but pure joy from both your playing and your teaching. Your videos are more addictive than social media and more informative than an encyclopedia. I've been a beginner drummer for the past 40 years (LOL!) but I have learned so much from you in the past few days, I feel like I should receive a diploma already. Thank you for all your teachings, Sir.
As far as sticks go, because I'm a rather tall guy with very long arms, (I'm 6'4", 240) the shorter, lighter sticks just don't feel right in my hands. I use the pro mark Tommy Aldridge 2S that are Japanese oak. They are long, heavy and have only a slight taper with a nice, oval, wood tip. (Like you, I do not like nylon tips) I love them to death and nothing else feels right in my hands even though I have a large variety of sticks. I have learned so much from your videos, and this one in particular, it has encouraged me to open my mind up a bit and try a host of different sticks to see all that my drums and cymbals have to offer. Thank you again, Mr. Dior. You are a Godsend.

[alexg]

I play the 7a for lighter stuff and 5b for everything else. Both sticks have a very similar balance despite their significant size differences, which makes it easy to switch between the two. Also similar tip helps!

[jeffreywegener]

Brilliant. I’ve been going crazy with sticks . I note you said a heavier stick ( yes bigger than a 7a ) has helped you . I’m playing in small clubs & the volume + cymbal type balance has become a problem. I have small hands but I’m getting the impression that has little to do with stick size . I feel comfortable with the Buddy Rich stick as it’s available everywhere here in Australia. But on my vintage Tosco & old as, too loud as much as I alter my technique. I even got my As lathered down but still . I might email about this and lessons . Too much here sorry .You sticks sound fantastic but I don’t have old Ks . :)

[MikeHoltackers]

The Ride Stick would have been perfect here

[izaacreedrules]

Hi rick love the videos. the stick technique you use at 45:44 for the ride cymbal what is that called. and do you have or would you consider making a video on it. kind regards

[Tagger]

Hi Rick .. I have most of those sticks. I was searching for the perfect stick . I'm wondering about your opinion on "mush stick " . I'm talking about the stick in your ride hand that's always hitting hard surfaces. The stick doesn't break and looks fine, but it's not the same feeling or sounding as when it was new . Feels and sounds mushy ..

[Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Hi Rick…thanks for your wonderful work for us!! One question: what dimensions has your maple stick and where can I get it??? Thanks toni